Dentist, Scientist, and Orthodontist in Training​
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MS in Orthodontics (Current Training), University of Iowa College of Dentistry, 2025–Present
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of Iowa College of Dentistry, 2021–2025
PhD in Oral Biology, The Ohio State University, 2021–2025
ABOUT ME
I am a clinician-scientist with training in dentistry, orthodontics, and mineralized tissue biology. I earned my DDS from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and completed a PhD in Oral Biology at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where my research focused on the molecular mechanisms that regulate mineralization in oral and craniofacial tissues.
My translational work centers on craniofacial growth and orthodontic treatment, with the goal of integrating fundamental biological insights into evidence-based clinical strategies. My long-term objective is to bridge laboratory discovery and patient care to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by craniofacial anomalies, mineralized tissue disorders, and dentoalveolar injuries as an academic clinician-scientist.
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EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
2025- Present
University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics
Orthodontic resident
2017 - 2025
Ohio State University, College of Dentistry
PhD, Oral Biology
2005 - 2009
College of Charleston
BS Biology
2021 - 2025
University of Iowa, College of Dentistry
DDS
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Craniofacial Growth & Development
Investigating the biological mechanisms that regulate craniofacial and dentoalveolar growth to inform diagnosis, timing, and outcomes of orthodontic treatment.
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Biology of Orthodontic Therapy
Studying how molecular and cellular processes influence tissue response to orthodontic forces, growth modification, and treatment stability.
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Mineralized Tissue Biology
Exploring the regulation of bone and tooth mineralization, with emphasis on extracellular matrix proteins and signaling pathways in oral tissues.
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Dentoalveolar Bone Healing & Regeneration
Examining mechanisms of alveolar bone repair following injury or extraction and evaluating biologically driven strategies to enhance healing.
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Translational Craniofacial Research
Bridging basic science discoveries and clinical orthodontics to develop evidence-based approaches for treating craniofacial anomalies, mineralized tissue disorders, and injuries.